Some video games can be addictive due to integrated reward mechanisms, such as earning points, levels, or virtual rewards, which stimulate the release of dopamine in the brain and reinforce the desire to keep playing.
Our brain loves what makes us feel good. When we play a video game, our mind activates the reward circuit, which releases a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is like the engine of pleasure and motivation. The more we receive, the more we want to replicate the experience that provided it. Some games are specifically designed to trigger this mechanism with frequent, unpredictable, and rapid rewards, creating an addictive effect similar to that found in certain classic addictions. Our brain also loves the feeling of progression and the impression of getting better and better, pushing us to always continue "just a little bit more." Developers know this very well, and they use these psychological tricks to subtly encourage us to play even longer.
Video games often use reward systems to create an immediate sense of pleasure and encourage the player to continue. As soon as a goal is achieved, the brain releases dopamine, a chemical that makes you happy and satisfied. The more frequent and accessible the goals are at the beginning, the more it naturally encourages you to play again and again to regain that pleasant feeling. Gradually, the challenges become more difficult, which encourages you to persevere even more to relive the initial rewarding experience. This mechanism of regular gratifications combined with clear objectives feeds your desire to continue without you realizing it, sometimes creating a true vicious circle.
A game with a good immersive design completely plunges the player into a virtual universe, often thanks to a captivating atmosphere, sounds, graphics, and advanced interactivity. The feeling of virtual presence created by this type of game makes the player lose track of time and encourages them to stay in front of the screen longer. A well-crafted narrative, full of suspense, also drives the player to frantically continue the story to find out what happens next, exactly like binge-watching a captivating series. This immersion effect reinforces the sense of attachment to the characters or the game universe, which further increases the emotional engagement. The more you become attached to a game, the harder it becomes to disconnect.
Playing online often means joining a whole community, with its own codes, friendships, and rivalries. We want to stay connected to not miss anything and because our teammates rely on us. For some, it's a way to escape loneliness or to feel valued. Others quickly become addicted to competition, rankings, and the desire to be better than others. This need for recognition, self-improvement, or simply belonging drives us to keep going again and again. As a result, we sometimes spend much more time than we would like, just to defend our place on the podium or stay active within the group.
Microtransactions are all those little purchases you can make directly from a game. They are designed to make you spend gradually and regularly: buying a new outfit for your character, quickly unlocking a powerful character, or sending bonuses to your friends. The thing is, they exploit the human tendency to seek instant gratification. When playing becomes frustrating or when progress slows down, a small expense can quickly rejuvenate the gaming experience. These systems rely on the fact that spending in-game seems less painful than spending in real life. As a result, each transaction seems innocuous, but in the end, the bill can add up quickly.
A study conducted at the University of California found that video games trigger the release of dopamine, the same neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and involved in substance addictions such as drugs and alcohol.
The loot box system present in many current video games has been banned in Belgium since 2018, as it is considered a type of gambling that can lead to addictive behaviors.
The psychological principle known as the "Zeigarnik effect" explains why we often continue to play longer than expected: our brain focuses more intensely on quests or goals that we have already started but not yet completed.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), video game addiction was officially recognized as a mental health disorder in 2018 under the name "gaming disorder."
It is advisable to establish clear but reasonable rules regarding gaming hours, to use alarms or parental control apps to remind the player of the time elapsed, and, above all, to offer alternative enriching activities in parallel to avoid any frustration.
No, not all regular players automatically become addicted. Addiction depends on many factors: personal predispositions, social environment, types of games played, as well as individual capacity to manage emotions and frustration.
Often, yes. Online multiplayer games feature powerful social mechanisms such as cooperation, competition, and social pressure, which enhance their addictive potential compared to solo games that may be less socially immersive.
Microtransactions are designed to provide immediate gratification as well as constant incentives to remain engaged in the game. They can create a compulsion to regularly spend real money, thereby increasing emotional involvement and the risk of addiction.
Among the common signs are neglect of daily responsibilities, progressive social isolation, inability to reduce gaming time, mood changes related to the possibility of playing or not, as well as the emergence of a feeling of distress when gaming is not accessible.
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